His Chance

Hailey- Chapter 18

He just left for his press conference and I miss him already. Making love with him this morning was the best it has been yet. I felt so close and connected to him. I love him so much and I felt his love for me. It didn't even hurt this time or if it did I don't remember because it was just that special.

I wonder if I will be able to watch his press conference on the television. I switch it on and start to look for a sports channel and find something called ESPN Player. I also order up some coffee and a little breakfast and take a quick shower while I wait for it. Poor Chance didn't even get any coffee before he left but I'm sure they'll take care of him. He told me how well they feed him when he's training and playing. I'm so glad to know that.

I get done with my shower just in time to answer the door for my breakfast and catch the ESPN Player reporter announce that they're going to the live press conference at the West Ham Football Club facilities.

There he is. There is my absolutely gorgeous husband on the television. He looks so handsome. There is an older gentlemen at the podium and he says some really nice things about Chance and then introduces him to everyone and says, "Welcome home".
There is lots of applause and a few shouts and then Chance walks up to the podium.

"Thank you. Thank you", he says. "I'm so grateful to be here today announcing my return to The West Ham Football Club. I'm so excited to be back here and to rejoin my mates this afternoon.

I want to say thank you to the ownership group for inviting me back. I also want to thank the other football clubs that reached out to me, both here and in the States. I'm humbled and flattered by the many incredible offers I received and I want to thank my agent and cousin Drew Buchanan for making this happen". He lowers his head for a minute and then looks up from the podium and he's clearly starting to get emotional. He continues.

"Ever since I was just a kid, I've always loved this game. It's a part of my heritage actually as both my mum and dad played this sport before me. I, I don't know if you know this but it was my mum who actually taught me how to play", he sniffles a bit as he speaks.

"I lost them both at an early age and football was the thing that saved me. Every team I've ever been on has been like a family to me. These guys are my brothers". He looks down for a minute to compose himself and then begins speaking again.

"About two months ago I messed up.......and I thought there was a chance that I might never get to play this game again professionally. I let a lot of people down including my family, my mates and especially my fans. I'm really sorry that I did that......let you all down, and I hope that you'll forgive me and let me prove to you that I'm not a bad guy".

"I thank God that he has given me this second chance. It's such a blessing. I would have never believed a few months ago that I would be standing back here today, in front of you, here at the West Ham practice facility. I've got an amazing new contract which I'm extremely grateful for. I'm back here playing for the club that I've cheered for my entire life. My legal troubles are all behind me and I promise you that I won't be causing any more embarrassment to my club or to all of you. My plan is to avoid the negative headlines going forward".

There are a few laughs from the reporters who are in attendance and also some applause.

"I have to tell you though that if I could go back in time and change what happened to me, I can honestly say that I wouldn't. I've learned some valuable lessons over the past couple of months and I think that they have made me into a better man or at least I hope so. I also know that if none of this had happened I wouldn't have gone to the States to get away and I would never have met the love of my life, my new wife, Hailey". Again there is some applause from those in the room.  He looks up and straight ahead into the camera and says.

"Hailey, baby. Thank you for believing in me when I was going through one of the toughest times in my life. Thank you for loving me. You're the greatest blessing that came out of all of this mess and I love you with all of my heart". He brings his hand up to his chest and then pats his heart. His sweet words and kind gesture bring me to tears.

"Thank you all again", he says and then he exits the press conference.